Pacific Small Island Developing States talking to UN Security Council about climate change

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03/15/2011 | Hawaii

Herb Kawainui Kane was a great Hawai'ian artist and historian. Kane's work has illustrated some of the most well known moments in Hawai'ian history and culture. His paintings have been an important contribution to the exposure of Polynesian culture and art to Hawai'i visitors and locals alike.

His artwork may be seen here on his website
03/09/2011 | Hawaii
National Geographic has a new gallery of photos with new lava from Kilauea volcano in Hawaii here.
01/28/2011 | Hawaii
As seen at this video, Jake Shimabukuro plays Bohemian Rhapsody on his ukulele at TED conference. Having grown up in Hawaii, Shimabukuro was well known as a member in the band Pure Heart. His skills with the ukulele have gained him international attention and being featured at the TED conference is a tribute to his contributions to Ukulele music.
10/29/2010 | Hawaii
As written here, Hawaii is experiencing an increase a their hotel occupancy rate which is great news for Hawaii since tourism provides much economic contribution to the state.
07/30/2010 | Hawaii
As written here, and here on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facebook, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a link to the press release PDF
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Website
02/02/2010 | Hawaii

Lost is arguably the most popular fictional (non-reality) network TV show filmed in Hawaii since Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five - O. With a large talented cast, beautiful shots in Hawai'i locations and an indepth plot, lost has brought much exposure and production fianancing into the islands. Lost begins airing its 6th and final season on 2/2/2010 on ABC.

Lost ABC website

Lost Hulu Channel
01/14/2010 | Hawaii
Archive footage of Hawaii produced by the U.S.I.S. as seen here on youtube.com
01/05/2010 | Hawaii
This video showcases Hawai'i's Energy Solutions from an individual residence using solar panels to a wind farm.
11/16/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As seen in this article, Sweden is returning Native Hawaiian skulls taken by scientists in the 1880s. During this time period many European nations visting the Pacific Islands took native items, relics, and human remains from native sites for research and display. It is very honorable and a sign of respect for these governments to return the human remains to be laid to rest with the dignity and cultural heritage that binds them to their homelands.
11/15/2009 | Hawaiʻi
Waikiki Beach sand is as legendary as the beach itself. Hawai'i is planning to restore sand by pumping it from offshore.
11/15/2009 | Hawaiʻi
In this article, Obama is strengthening Asia-Pacific ties and Hawaii to Host APEC 2011
11/11/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As seen in this article, Father Damien now Saint is celebrated for his service in Molokai. Damien served leprosy patients both spiritually and physically at Kalaupapa, Molokai which was a village quarantine from the time of the Hawai'ian Kingdom until after leporsy was cured. Damien himself contracted the disease.
08/29/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As written in this article, Molokai facing possible water rate increases that would effect many of its residents. The average annual rainfall can range between 15-40 inches per year as seen from this data.
08/24/2009 | Hawaiʻi

As seen in this article, the 50th anniversary of the 50th state of Hawai'i was a day filled with mixed polital, historical and emotional views about Hawai'i's past, present and future relationship with the U.S.

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianole introduced the first bill to ask for Hawaii to become a State in 1919 and Hawai'i was officially the 50th state of the U.S. on August 21, 1959.

Small demnonstrations and protests against the historic U.S. annexation of the Kingdom of Hawai'i to become the territory of the United States in 1898 were peacful as ironically such demonstrations are a right given to the U.S. citizens of the State of Hawai'i from the the First Amendment of the U.S. bill of rights.

View our Previous post about the Path to Statehood in Hawai'i
08/15/2009 | Hawaii
As written in this article, the Ho'opili development plan to have a huge impact on Oahu and the State of Hawai'i.
08/03/2009 | Hawaiʻi
Honolulu Advertiser has a Fab 50 which is an online poll for the top 50 athletes or teams in the 50th State of Hawaii over the last 50 years. Participate in the poll here.
07/22/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As seen in this article the Thirty Meter Telescope is in the planning stages to be built on the summit of Mauna Kea.
07/06/2009 | Hawaiʻi

Microsoft Bing Serach engine is known for their daily wallpaper. on July, 6 2009, Kilauea Lighthouse featured as Bing.com wallpaper. Bing is the brand name for Microsoft's latest version of their search engine. Not seen as a huge competitor to google search, bing.com has had a huge marketing effort to try to reintroduce microsoft search. Compromising initial download times bing.com fetures wallpapers, mostly vivid photography of travel destinations around the world. Kilauea Lighthouse, on the island of Kaua'i is one of the first Pacific Island wallpapers to be feated on bing.com. Previous Bing wallpapers can be seen by clicking the arros on the lower right corner.
05/22/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As written in this article Hanalei beach on Kaua'i and Hamoa beach, Maui among top 10 U.S. beaches for 2009
05/21/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As written in this article 15 Whale Species in Hawai'i a scientific study has found 15 species of Whales in the ocean surrounding the Hawai'ian Islands northern area. Which is the same area that former U.S. President Bush expanded federal protection for marine conservation.
04/14/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As noted in this article a portion of Hawaii Tax Payer funds will go to purchasing land for the purpose of conservation. Named the The Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund, this is a positive step toward nature conservation for Hawai'i by Hawai'i voters.
03/29/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As written in this article, Mayor Mufi Hannemann encourages Earth Hour for the Honolulu.
Comment on this blog directly or share your thoughts at the Pasefika Forum about Earth Hour 2009, Mufi Hanneman, and the city of Honolulu.
03/22/2009 | Hawaiʻi
As seen in this article about the Hawai'i Super Ferry, change can sometimes slow and challenging when dealing with a group of people, society, or city. The Hawai'i Super Ferry offered an alternative solution for interisland travel for the general public in Hawai'i which is dominated by commercial interisland flights. Perhaps the idea of travelling by ship, a revolution to the time when interisland travel occured with the ships of the Hawai'ians and Polynesians, was seen as a step back. Perhaps the environmental impact of the Super Ferry was never appealing to local residents, or the marketing, time, and cost of the trips were just not feasible during a slowing economy. Whatever the reason, the Hawai'i Super Ferry should not be overlooked as a future transportation solution in the Pacific or a lesson learned in trying to seek alternative transportation options throughout the Pacific Isles.

For Example, I'm surprised similar options were never looked at to help alleviate traffic on Oahu from Ewa to Honolulu.
03/21/2009 | Hawaiʻi
The native bird population in Hawai'i are not a daily concern for most residents, visitor and those outside of the islands. Most of the species can be seen in museums and tourist infomational displays near park areas, not to mention the Royal Hawaiian cloaks made during ancient times and worn by the Ali'i (High Chiefs) of the Kamehameha Dynasty displayed at the Bishop Museum.
The fact of the matter is that these are the only displays of the native birds because they are facing extinction due to the environmental impact on Hawai'i's fragile eco system. Hawai'i's location and isolation has sheltered it's native species for thousands of years to thrive and evolve on their own to the islands natural environment but even the green mountains and forest reserves aren't enough for these spcies to sustain survival as noted by this article.
The moa (chicken) was brought with the first Polynesians settlers of the Islands and the Myna bird was introduced after European contact.
Comment on this blog directly or share your thoughts at the Pasefika Forum about native birds in Hawai'i.
Write an educational article about native birds in Hawai'i at the Pasefika Wiki.
03/12/2009 | Hawaiʻi
Tia Carrere to star in "You may not kiss the bride" filmed in Hawai'i which is said to be set in Chicago and Tahiti as written in this article.
03/03/2009 | Hawaii

1959 Hawai'i becomes the 50th U.S. State.

1960 Tsunami hits Hilo

1961 Keo Nakama is first to swim the Moloka'i channel.

1962 The Arizona memorial opens over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona

1963 Polynesian Cultureal Centers opens.

1964 Patsy Mink first Asian American (Japanese born on Maui) female elected to U.S. Congress.

1965 The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts founded.

1966 Aloha Fridays begin with Bank of Hawai'i allowing works to wear "Aloha Shirts" to work on fridays.

1967 Hawai'i Pono'i," the anthem under the monarchy, is designated the state's anthem.

1968 A passing of legendary surfer and Olympic swimming champion, Duke Kahanamoku.

1969 New State Capitol buidling opens.

1970 First competitive Merrie Monarch hula festival held in Hilo.

1971 Hawaii's first annual 'ukulele festival held.

1972 Jesse Kuhaulua is the first non-Asian to win a sumo tournament, netting the Emperor's Cup in Nagoya.

1973 Polynesian Voyaging Society founded.

1974 George R. Ariyoshi elected governor, thereby becoming first Japanese-American governor of a U.S. state.

1975 Aloha Stadium opens.

1976 The state completes Aloha Stadium.

1977 Honolulu Stock Exchange closes after 79 years.

1978 Hawai'i becomes the nation's first bilingual state when both Hawaiian and English are recognized as official state languages.

1979 Humpback whale selected as the state marine mammal by the legislature.

1980 Kaho'olawe no longer regularly used as a U.S. Navy bombing target.

1981 Puna Geothermal begins operations on the Big Island, hoping to generate electricity from geothermal steam and incidentally provoking years of protest.

1982 Hurricane 'Iwa hits Kaua'i.

1983 Hemmings establishes the Triple Crown of Surfing

1984 Hawai'i Land Reform Act passes.

1985 Hokule'a launches a "Voyage of Rediscovery."

1986 Space shuttle Challenger explodes after takeoff, killing entire crew, including Hawaii's Ellison Onizuka.

1987 Nanakuli's Salevaa Atisanoe (Konishiki) becomes the first foreigner to reach the rank of ozeki, sumo's second highest level.

1988 Congress enacts the Native Hawaiian Education Act and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act.

1989 Built in 1901, the Moana Hotel is fully restored and reopens as a National Historic landmark.

1990 Bishop Museum marks its 100th birthday by opening $6.5 million Castle Memorial Building.

1991 The volcanic peaks of Hawai'i and Maui are the best observation points for a total eclipse of the sun.

1992 Hurricane Iniki strikes the Islands; the hurricane is the most devastating natural disaster in Hawaii's history, causing $1.8 billion in damage.

1993 Chad Rowan (Akebono) becomes first foreign-born wrestler to achieve the sumo rank of yokozuna.

1994 Japanese Americans whose Waiau property was confiscated in WWII are included in federal government apology and redress.

1995 The last sugar plantation on the Big Island closes.

1996 Native Hawaiians vote to proceed toward achieving political sovereignty.

1997 Hawai'i is the first state to have at least one Internet connection in each school.

1998 U.S. Department of Defense begins ordinance-clearing project on Kaho'olawe.

1999 Steve Case, Punahou graduate and head of AOL, makes a major donation to the school.

2000 President Clinton declares Hawaii's Northwestern Islands a Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, protecting an archipelago extending more than 1,200 miles.

2001 Kapono Aluli Souza resurrects ancient traditions of Makahiki - the Hawaiian celebration of harvest and the god Lono - undertaking a four-month procession around the island of O`ahu.

2002 Hawaii's first female governor, Republican Linda Lingle, elected.

2003 Michelle Wie, a 13-year-old Punahou student, gains national attention when she wins the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.

2004 Governor Lingle signs renewableenergy bill into lawBy 2020, 20 percent of isle power must be from alternate sources

2005 Muliufi "Mufi" Hannemann is first Mayor of a major U.S. city including the city of Honolulu that is of Samoan descent

2006 30th anniversary of the Polynesian Voyaging Society on Tuesday Hawaii Coffee industry reports 30.3 million for the production during this year

2007 State of Hawaii geologic map is now available online s U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1089

2008 Universty of Hawaii played its first BCS bowl in 2008 Sugar Bowl on New Years Day following an undefeated Regular Season (12-0), During the 200 seaon, UH was only major-college football team to be undefeated in the nation.

2009 Barack Obama begins his first Presidential term as the 44 President of the United States. Obama is the first U.S. President that is acknowledged African American ethnicity and the first U.S. President to be born in the State of Hawai'i

View these highlights and more at http://www.hawaiihistory.org
03/02/2009 | Hawaii

In 1959 The U.S. Territory of Hawaii became the 50th State of the U.S. In 2009, the 50th state will have it's 50th Anniversary.Hopefully this date will mark a celebration for all of Hawai'i residents and their contribitions of culture and Aloha (love) to our global community.Unfortuantely this occation is marked with mixed feelings among islanders as it may stir up unpleasant memories of the past.

It is important to be repectful to the native Hawaiian people and their history of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monachy but in doing so, also equally important to review the events that led up to this with an open mind.The most important thing to look back and learn from the mistakes of the past while recognizing the chellenges of the world today and appreciating the state of the Islands of Hawai'i.Among many Hawai'i residences including native Hawai'ians and those of mixed ancestory this is a very sensitive topic steming from the times of first European contact and the Kamehameha Dynasty

At the time of european contact the Islands of Hawai'i although sahring culture and language were considered to be un-unified meaning that at the time of European contact 1778, there was no single Ali'i (chief) who was the dominant single ruler of all the Islands at one time. With the motivation to unify the Islands under a single ruler Kamehameha I waged war on other native Hawaiians to establish himself as the sole ruler of Hawai'i.

The Kingdom of Kaua'i was the only kindom to be conquered diplomatically after failed invasion attempts. Kamehameha, used foriegn aids such as cannons, and even the assistance of John Young and Isaac Davis to complete his mission. Although was utilized foriegners and their weapons durin war, as a ruler he was known to be very traditional. After his death, Kamehameha II and Ka'ahumanu were remembered for breaking the "Kapu" a system of protocols which was intertwined with their culture.

Another milestone was the great mehele of 1848 which King Kamehamhea III distributed the lands of Hawaii to native Hawaiian Chief's. Following the mahele, not only were native Hawai'ian chief and commoners entitled to ownership of Hawai'ian land, but it led to later gifts, leases and sales of land to people of non-Hawaiian ancestry.The kindom of Hawai'i was sturggling with de population due to forien diaseas as well as cultural and religous influences.The Hawaiian monarchy was establishing themselves as a modern national entity as seen with royal regalia and the Iolani Palace.

As foriegners established themselves via business and immigration they became more powerful in Hawai'i.It is a painful memory for the Hawai'ians as when Queen Liliuokalani was imprisoned at Iolani Palace.It is important to be noted that this was in interests of the U. S. businessmen who were residents of the islands and not everyone from the U. S. including President Grover Cleveland agreed with their actions against the queen.It was later under William Mckinley that submitted the treaty to the U.S. congress, who voted 42 to 21 for annexation of Hawai'i in 1898. While a U.S. territory it was Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianole who advocated for Hawai'i as a U.S. state in 1919.

Five bills calling for the Statehood of Hawai'i in to the U.S. were all introduced by Hawai'i and rejected until Statehood bill passed.

It's also good to note that in 50 years of statehood since 1959, Hawai'ians have made efforts to revitalize their culture, continue the aloha spirit with visitors and new residents, share their hospitality world wide, never been attacked or terrorized by a foreign nation, and enjoy freedoms and quality of life that most people of the six billion in the world do not have.That's why it's easy to see why no matter what political and historical opinion Hawai'i residents have they can all celebrate 50 years of statehood by the their commonly known saying "lucky we live Hawai'i"

Comment on this blog directly or share your thoughts at the Pasefika Forum about Hawai'i's 50 years as a U.S. State and historical events prior to statehood.
12/03/2008 | Hawaiʻi

In this article it states that Hawaii is begining to take steps into providing the consumer an infastrusture that is a positive step in moving toward electric vehicles.

This a great step for a number of reasons. First is that with an infastructure foe battery stations, it will help with consumer confidence with the pschological transistion from petroleum to an electric vechile. It offers a set location to replace batteries, which we all know at one time or another do lose their ability to hold a charge. This also ensure that when batteries do fail they may be replaced and recycled, having infastructure will help to keep the old batteries out of hawai'i land fills.

As written in this article, Pacific Small Island Developing States talking to UN Security Council about climate change.